Interview with Canon Executives at CP+

DPReview had the opportunity to sit down with some executives from Canon and talk about all things cameras. They covered a bit about 4K implementation, mirrorless cameras , 360° tools and even a little about film cameras.

Q: Looking at 4K TV saturation, what kind of time-frame does that suggest and when do you think it will be necessary to have 4K in every part of your product line?

A: We obviously have to look at the technical feasibility of it, cost-wise, as well as [the challenge of power consumption]. Those factors will tell us how we will introduce 4K technologies going forward.

We will continue to challenge and overcome these technical hurdles that we are seeing at moment in introducing 4K into our entire product lineup. But it is important to keep in mind that we don’t want to harm the original inherent concept of these products. 4K should compliment, rather than hinder.

Q: The EOS M series continues to expand. What is the long term goal of the M series in terms of market share?

A: That is a difficult question to respond to with a simple answer because we don’t have a particular number set in terms of getting the market share for the mirrorless market. This is because we are a company that produces [both mirrorless and DSLR], as a total package.

Our intention is to become number one in the overall ILC market: mirrorless and SLR. Different regions would have different penetration and different market share of mirrorless products.

Q: Do you think there could be a professional-level EOS M model sometime in the future?

A: Obviously we think it could be possible, there is a potential, but we do not want to put a time frame on that.

Q: Do you have any plans to enter the VR or 360 markets?

A: We’re always looking to see what sorts of new visual means of expression we can offer to our customers, 360 imaging included. So, yes, we are considering how we can leverage 360 technology.